Random posts on random subjects in my random world

And so the mocking begins

It happens every four years and despite all the build-up, all the hype, all the expectations, the English football team once again make a stuttering start to their World Cup campaign in South Africa. The first game was always going to the toughest – opponents USA have climbed in the FIFA rankings to a lofty 14th in the world!

But for once it seemed that the country that invented the beautiful game were going to teach the Americans a thing or two about ‘soccer’. Steven Gerrard’s goal inside the first five minutes looked to have paved the way for the floodgates to open. In truth the only deluge was that to British broadcaster ITV after they interrupted their HD coverage with a commercial 3 minutes into the game. Fans up and down the country, myself included, couldn’t believe it when coverage was restored 30 seconds later with the England players celebrating a goal! ITV since published an apology although the internet was awash with irate supporters venting their anger at the commercial broadcaster (who incidentally make a similar error during last season’s Merseyside derby and missed Everton’s winning goal against Liverpool)

But of course worse was to come for poor Robert Green, who let a tame shot slip through his hands to gift a goal to the Americans. Monday morning back in the office has already seen a few jokes doing the rounds at the expense of goalkeeper Green, playing on his ‘spill’ to that of the BP situation on the Gulf Coast! And how our friends from across the pond are celebrating – The New York Post front page being a prime example! This was undoubtedly their biggest result since famously beating England 1-0 back in 1950.

Getting back somewhat to business here, and we’ll be showing the England match against Slovenia on screens in our offices where available. The match is the only one of England’s to kick-off during the working day – 3pm 23rd June. For those of you who can bear it, pop along and lend the team your support.